Adjustable throttle stop

Abstract

A tool for limiting the amount by which an accelerator pedal lever may be actuated so as to restrict the maximum opening of a throttle valve to a predetermined maximum amount. The tool includes a first member positioned proximate to the accelerator pedal lever and fastened to the vehicle, a second member threadably engaged with the first member, and a third member which is secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and operably prevents axial movement of the second member while allowing the second member to rotate. The tool is easily adjusted by rotating the second member so as to change the effective length of the tool.

I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for use with a vehicle having a dash panel, a throttle valve, and an accelerator pedal lever, said accelerator pedal lever connected to said throttle valve and operable for causing said throttle valve to operate between a fully closed position and a fully opened position, said apparatus comprising: a first member adapted to be secured to said vehicle proximate said accelerator pedal lever;   a second member threadably engaged with said first member; and   a third member coupled to said second member and adapted to be fixed to said dash panel, said third member supporting said second member so as to allow rotation of said second member about an axis;   wherein said apparatus inhibits movement of said accelerator pedal lever beyond a predetermined maximum point to limit an amount by which said throttle valve is opened to a predetermined maximum throttle valve opening, and wherein said apparatus does not interfere with the operation of said accelerator pedal at throttle valve openings less than the predetermined maximum throttle valve opening.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein contact between said second member and said accelerator pedal lever inhibits said throttle valve from opening beyond the predetermined maximum throttle valve opening. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein contact between said first member and said accelerator pedal lever inhibits said throttle valve from opening beyond the predetermined maximum throttle valve opening. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus for use with a vehicle having a dash panel, a throttle valve, and an accelerator pedal lever, said accelerator pedal lever connected to said throttle valve and operable for causing said throttle valve to operate at a fully closed position, a fully opened position, or any position therebetween, said apparatus for limiting the position of said throttle valve to a maximum predetermined position, said apparatus comprising: a fork assembly adapted to be secured to said vehicle and positioned proximate to said accelerator pedal lever;   an adjusting rod threadably engaged with said fork assembly; and   a bracket coupled to said adjusting rod and adapted to be fixed to said dash panel, said bracket supporting said adjusting rod so as to allow rotation of said adjusting rod about an axis;   wherein said adjusting rod inhibits movement of said accelerator pedal lever beyond a predetermined maximum point to limit an amount by which said throttle valve is opened to a predetermined maximum throttle valve opening, and wherein said adjusting rod does not interfere with the operation of said accelerator pedal at throttle valve openings less than the predetermined maximum throttle valve opening.   
     
     
       5. An apparatus for use with a vehicle having a dash panel, a throttle valve, and an accelerator pedal lever, said accelerator pedal lever connected to said throttle valve and operable for causing said throttle valve to operate at a fully closed position, a fully opened position, or any position therebetween, said apparatus for limiting the position of said throttle valve to a maximum predetermined position, said apparatus comprising: a fork assembly having a stop for contacting a rear side of said accelerator pedal lever, said fork assembly adapted to be fastened to said vehicle;   an adjusting rod threadably engaged with said fork assembly; and   a bracket coupled to said adjusting rod and adapted to be fixed to said dash panel, said bracket supporting said adjusting rod so as to allow rotation of said adjusting rod about an axis;   wherein said stop inhibits movement of said accelerator pedal lever beyond a predetermined maximum point to limit an amount by which said throttle valve is opened to a predetermined maximum throttle valve opening, and wherein said stop does not interfere with the operation of said accelerator pedal at throttle valve openings less than the predetermined maximum throttle valve opening.